Meridian Community Unit School District #223

MJHS students enjoyed a fall themed assembly today-complete with mummy races, pumpkin relays, candy corn races and gourd relays. Thanks to all who participated! #WeAreMCUSD

MJHS 8th grade students had the privilege to listen and learn from Joseph Green today about facing the world while being kind. #WeAreMCUSD

Thank you to the Burpee Museum for coming to give our students a LIVE reptiles assembly today. They had a blast and even made a couple of scared educators hold snakes! #WeAreMCUSD

The SVHS and MJHS band programs hosted a thrilling showcase of musical talent during tonight’s concert. Shout out to all musicians and Mr. John Gelasi, director, and Miss Maglio, assistant director. Congratulations and well done! #WeAreMCUSD

Thank you to our amazing Stillman Valley Fire Department for coming to talk with our students about fire safety. Our PreK and Kindergarten friends got to visit them today at the fire station. We’re continually grateful for great community partnerships! #WeAreMCUSD

The MJHS Student Lighthouse Team engaged in leadership activities this morning with our Leader In Me coach, Ms. Hearn and Lighthouse coordinators, Mrs. Barton and Mrs. Close. It’s a great day to be a SV Cardinal! #WeAreMCUSD

Dr. Caposey visited Highland today to read with our 2nd Grade friends. He was so impressed with what they already knew about Asia, that he pulled out a globe and started learning with them! #WeAreMCUSD

Our preschool friends are loving their engagement with the Osmo! It is a great way to combine both physical and technological skills together. We love seeing them so excited and engaged! #WeAreMCUSD

Mrs. Metzger, our K-5 ELA instructional coach, got to teach a lesson in one of our kindergarten classes. The kids had a crazy good time on crazy hair/hat day! #WeAreMCUSD

Mr. McDevitt's 6th grade history classes decoded an Egyptian message today. Students had to use a flashlight and a partner to decipher hieroglyphics to unveil a secret message. #WeAreMCUSD

Highland Families, After careful inspection, we have determined that there are no lingering issues associated with last night's incident at Highland Elementary. As of 11 AM, our Buildings & Grounds teams are continuing to work to clean all surfaces contaminated by smoke and clean the air. Furthermore, the smell of burnt electrical is significantly better than this morning. At this point, we are confident that the school is ready to be back in session tomorrow, Tuesday, September 20th. Thank you again to Mr. Kenny Lamer and our entire Buildings & Grounds team for the work they have done to ensure we're able to get school back in session as quickly as possible. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and look forward to returning to school safely tomorrow. Thank you, Joe Mullikin Principal, Highland Elementary School

On September 16, 2022, Mr. Russ Crull joined Jen Speakes at Meridian Junior High as the principal for a day. This year we’re recognizing local legends within the community and school district and welcoming them into the building to experience our schooldays firsthand. When asked about his experience today: “During my time as principal for a day, I was able to view a number of different classrooms and activities, talk to the administration and teachers, and view a normal school day at Meridian Junior High. It was a great time and the first time I had stepped foot in a principal’s office since the early 2000’s. I am very thankful Mrs. Speakes invited me to be principal for a day.” What makes Meridian a great district to be a part of? - “The students and staff were the highlight of my time as principal for a day. Everyone I met was warm and welcoming, answered my questions about their classrooms or roles, and otherwise made the experience enjoyable. Aside from the school itself, the Meridian District always seems to have the full support of their communities.” Tell us about your experience with Meridian (as a student or community member) - “I am not a former student of Meridian, but, as a lifelong resident of Ogle County, have many friends and colleagues who either graduated from Meridian or whose kids go here currently. The school district is known for their tremendous staff, high quality education, and extracurricular activities. I look forward to continuing to support Meridian district and believe the school is in great shape.” Tell us about your current work and roles - “I am a partner and attorney at Tess, Crull & Arnquist, LLC in Rochelle where I have been a practicing attorney since 2014. Aside from my work as an attorney, I serve on the Ogle County Bar Association, Byron Chamber of Commerce, and Foundation for Focus House Boards. In my free time, I am an avid outdoorsman and conservationist.” #WeAreMCUSD

The 6th grade volleyball team is working hard in there competition with Winnebago. Go Cardinals! #WeAreMCUSD

MJHS used their early release time to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Thank you to Chris Kunce for sharing your expertise with us. #WeAreMCUSD

8th grade English students started the year off reviewing email etiquette. As part of the unit, students read, evaluated, and ranked written emails. From the example emails, students easily identified what to include and what to leave out of a well written email. #WeAreMCUSD

Happy first day of school MJHS! We are ready for you! #WeAreMCUSD

School is back next week! We're looking forward to seeing families at our Open Houses at MJHS, HES, and MC. We're looking forward to a great school year! #WeAreMCUSD

Save the date! MJHS Back to School Bash!

2022-2023 School Registration Info Hello! The 2022 – 2023 registration is right around the corner! I want to quickly review important dates and registration information as we move forward so that everyone can be prepared. Important Dates All fees must be paid in full for the current school year and previous years including Fee Management (school fees of all types, activity fees, course fees, tech fees etc…), and Food Service (lunch account balances) by April 7th to qualify for the early registration incentive fee rate. Online registration for the 2022 – 2023 school year is scheduled to open April 28th. Early incentive rates will be applied to eligible accounts at this time and must be paid before June 7th. Early incentive fee rates will end June 7th.All early incentive payments must be made on or before June 7th.After this date the original registration fee amounts as listed below will apply. The early incentive rate is no longer available after June 7th. Registration must be complete by July 18th to ensure our ability to transport students at the beginning of the school-year. Walk-in registrations are welcome June 1 – June 30, 8am to 12pm, MONDAY – THURSDAY. Fees Kindergarten - $140 registration fee, $100 registration fee if eligible for early registration incentive 1st & 2nd Grade - $145 registration fee, $105 registration fee if eligible for early registration incentive 3rd Grade- $158 registration fee, $118 registration fee if eligible for early registration Incentive 4th – 8th Grade- $153 registration fee, $113 registration fee if eligible for early registration Incentive SVHS - $168 registration fee, $128 registration fee if eligible for early registration incentive ONLY students with ZERO remaining fees are eligible for early registration incentive The above rates have not increased, but include required items that were priced separately in previous years. Registering on time is an important function of our community supporting our schools. The act of registering and paying fees on-time not only supports our budgeting process, but more importantly allows schools and transportation to operate as smooth as possible at the outset of the school-year.

Please see the following dates/times and information regarding Sports Camps for this summer. Sport Camps Volleyball- Camp Form June 6-10 - 7th & 8th Grade - 1:30-4:00 June 14-16 - 1st & 2nd Grade - 8:30-10:30 am June 14-16 - 3rd & 4th Grade - 10:30-12:30 pm June 13-17 - 5th & 6th Grade - 1:30-4:30 pm Basketball - Camp Form June 6-10 - 3rd-8th Grade - 9:30-11:00 am (Basic Skills) June 13-17 - 3rd-8th Grade - 9:30-11:00 am (Advanced Skills) Track - Camp Form June 9 & 10 - 6th-9th Grade - 8:00-10:00 am Soccer - Camp Form July 11-14 - 5th-8th Grade - 11:00-1:00 pm Questions? Please click on the provided information and reach out to the coach in charge of each camp!